How is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens in a patient with cataracts, replacing it with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients undergoing cataract surgery report improved vision a few days after the procedure. So, how is cataract surgery performed?

Does cataract surgery require an overnight stay?

Cataract surgery is a simple and quick procedure that can be completed under local anaesthetic. It can take as little as 15 minutes from start to finish. You will be awake throughout the procedure, which is painless, and will be able to go home afterwards. (You won’t be able to drive yourself, however, so it’s important to ensure that you have someone to give you a lift).

While you should not need an overnight stay, it is normal to only perform cataract surgery on one eye at a time, to give the first eye time to heal and recover. This means that surgery is usually performed one or two weeks apart. However, depending on the patient’s circumstances, Mr Allon can complete the surgery in both eyes within the same visit if this is more convenient.

What does the procedure involve?

Before your surgery begins, you will be given local anaesthetic eye drops to ensure that you don’t feel pain while the cataract surgery is being carried out.

Cataract surgery involves making a cut in the eye to remove the cloudy lens. This can either be done manually, with a surgical blade, or using a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser. Both forms of cataract surgery are safe, low-risk procedures.

To remove the cataract, a hole is made in the capsule bag and the lens is broken up into tiny pieces.

Once the lens has been removed, a new intraocular lens (IOL) is carefully inserted using ultra-precise keyhole surgery. The lens will be a bespoke prescription that allows the patient optimal focus. You can read more about our premium IOLS here.

Following a rest to recover from the anaesthetic, you will usually be free to go home. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your eye, and what to expect in the days following your cataract operation. You should wear sunglasses in the hours following cataract surgery and use eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation in the week following the procedure. Usually, you should be able to resume your day-to-day activities within a couple of days, although you will need to avoid touching your eye for a few weeks.

What are the benefits of femtosecond laser cataract surgery?

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is performed without surgical blades. This technology allows surgeons to map the exact location of the planned incision, resulting in an ultra-precise and extra-safe operation. Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is a very new procedure, and Allon Barsam will be happy to answer any questions you may have about how the surgery is performed and whether it is suitable for you.